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Health & Fitness

St. Petersburg Veteran Uses Military Skills to Forge a Successful Career

Post Authored By Larry Styrzo


I was born and raised in Syracuse, New York. Syracuse is quite nearly the opposite of St. Petersburg: cold, snowy and dark. It did have its pros: I could play hockey seven or eight months of the year, skiing was as easy as riding a bike, and, when it came to driving on snow, let’s just say I could hold my own.

 

After graduating from high school, I signed up to join the Army.  Military service runs in my family – my father, brother and uncles all served at some point. I knew it was a good next step for me.

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I went to Fort Knox for basic training and Fort Gordon for communications training before receiving my first deployment to Vietnam. I was a member of the 101st Airborne Division and spent one year in Vietnam. Next I went to Germany and was a member of Company A 510th Ordinance Company Special Weapons Support Command NATO. I served in Germany for about two years.

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I was discharged from active duty in 1973 and decided to enlist in the Army Reserves in New York. I served in Company A 2nd Battalion 391st Basic Training Unit with the 98th division as a drill instructor from 1973 to 1977. By then, I was ready for a change of scenery. A move south was in order, and I piled my belongings into a car and headed to Florida.

 

After arriving in St. Petersburg, I began working at West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc., which makes packaging and delivery systems for the pharmaceutical industry. A friend had suggested I apply for a position at the company’s St. Petersburg facility, and, after an interview, I was in. As a cell technician, I assist in the manufacture of syringe plungers and intravenous (IV) system components through compression molding.

 

One of the things I enjoy most about working at West is the company’s support for employees in the military.  When I was in the Army Reserves, West was very understanding and allowed me the flexibility to fulfill my military responsibilities. At times, I’d get an order that I was to be deployed the next day. This short notice was never an issue for West. My managers would ensure my shifts were covered and work was accounted for. After my deployment, I’d come back to work and find everything under control. This was a constant over the 15 years I served with Company A 3rd Battalion 11th Special Forces Group Airborne in the Army Reserves. I retired as Master Sergeant.

 

The stability was assuring, and one of the many reasons that I continue to spend my days at West. I enjoy working in the company of others and thinking on my feet. As a technician, it’s important to follow directions, be self-motivated and mind the details. I can’t see another company treating me as well as West has for the past 35 years.

 

I’m 63 and still enjoy going to work each day. Who knows what tomorrow will bring?


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